A guide to nightlife in Zante
Since all flights and boats arrive into the island’s capital, you might be surprised that Zante holidays don’t initially appear to live up to their bad-boy reputation. That’s only because the nightlife on the island is split into two distinct categories. One is made up of quieter Vassilikos nights characterised by cocktails in comfortable chairs and set against the backdrop of piano music. Meanwhile, in the towns of Argassi, Kalamaki and especially Laganas, almost anything and everything goes. Here’s a taster of five different kinds of evenings you can expect to enjoy on the island.
A night of authentic rock 'n' roll at La Grange Rock Bar, Zakynthos Town
If you like rock music you’ll definitely want to check out La Grange in Zakynthos Town. Walking the fine line between grunge and glamour, this atmospheric drinking den has cymbals for lampshades, a friendly owner and even smoky bacon-flavoured beer. Classic rock from the catalogue of yesteryear is the standard fare most nights, but if you’re lucky enough to visit when a live band is in attendance, you’ll really rock out.
Pre-drink deals at Fishbowl, Laganas
We’ll give you three guesses how Fishbowl earned its name, and one clue – there isn’t an aquarium inside the bar. This watering hole in Laganas serves improbably cheap cocktails inside fishbowls to a younger crowd, acting as the perfect place to get yourself merry before moving onto more expensive establishments.
Quality cocktails and kareoke at Cheeky Tikis', Laganas
Another bar on the strip in Laganas, Cheeky Tikis’ drinks are certainly more expensive than the fishbowls on offer above but still fairly cheap in comparison to British prices, while you know you’re getting quality alcohol in carefully-prepared cocktails. The friendliness of the owners enhances the excitement whipped up by regular karaoke nights, while the bar also hosts live entertainment on occasion. Try the peanut butter martini to round of holidays to Zante with something indulgently different.
Live sports and great entertainment at Ark Bar, Tsilivi
Located in Tsilivi near the island’s capital, this sports bar has huge TVs and caters to fans of all sporting disciplines, from football to rugby. They also do food if you’re in need of sustenance towards the end of the evening, and the drinks are very reasonably priced. There’s often karaoke here, while the resident Elvis impersonator is sure to delight audiences of all ages.
Relaxed cocktails in a laid-back setting at Oceanic Chill Out Bar, Kalamaki
If all those drinking games, bars set on fire and people dancing in cages has worn you out, you might want to head to Kalamaki, to this delightfully chilled out cocktail bar by the beach. No blaring TV screens, no deafening music, no live music or entertainment, just good company, delicious drinks and the kind of spectacular views that holidays to Greece are renowned for. What’s more, owner Kev has a rule that all first-time cocktails can be returned and replaced with another, free of charge, to ensure that everyone has a pleasant experience.